Elder Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi, an Elder of The Church of Pentecost, Mount Zion Assembly in the Mpraeso District, and his wife, Ampadu Ellen, have been praised for their decision to keep their baby born with Phocomelia, a rare congenital condition, despite societal pressure to end the child’s life.
A year ago, Ellen Ampadu wife of the Elder Yirenkyi delivered their fifth child via Caesarean section at Atibie Government Hospital.
The baby was born without three limbs, a condition medically known as Phocomelia, which results in the malformation of arms and legs.
Despite several ultrasound scans during her antenatal care, the condition was not detected, leaving doctors and midwives shocked.
The hospital provided counseling to the couple, but some doctors reportedly recommended euthanasia to spare the family from the stigma and economic difficulties associated with raising a child with severe deformities.
Upon returning home to Kwahu Mpraeso, the couple faced constant stigma.
Ellen Ampadu shared her painful experiences of community pressure to kill the baby, which eventually led the family to relocate to Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.
Elder Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi confirmed the numerous suggestions they received to get rid of their child.
However, the couple remained resolute, naming their baby Adepa, meaning “precious,” to symbolize their commitment to fulfilling God’s purpose for their child’s life.
Debrah Bekoe Isaac, CEO of the nonprofit organization As I Grow, which first identified Adepa’s condition, has appealed for support to provide the child with physiotherapy and prosthetics. These would help improve her mobility and enable her to begin school.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), congenital disorders affect about 6% of babies globally. These disorders, which include birth defects and congenital malformations, are a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Adepa’s story highlights the challenges faced by families of children with congenital disabilities and the courage required to rise above societal pressure.
Elder Joseph Yirenkyi and wife intend to establish “Adepa Foundation” to help raise awareness about the condition to end stigma and killing of such babies.
Source : Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
